The Kingston and Surbiton Green Party has welcomed the election of Zack Polanski as the new national leader of the Green Party, describing him as a 'charismatic' and 'grassroots' leader.

Dr Debojyoti Das, a member of the Kingston and Surbiton Green party, told Nub News that the local party was "overwhelmingly excited" about Polanski's landslide victory and believes that he is the right person to lead the Greens into next year's London Assembly and council elections.

Dr Debojyoti Das, right, with a fellow Kingston and Surbiton Green Party member (Credit: Dr Debojyoti Das)

"He brings people together. He believes in grassroots politics and the ideas of justice, sustainability and inclusion," Dr Das said.

"The other thing that is important is that he is from London, so he will actually amplify the voices of the local green parties that we have in London."

Polanski, 42, officially became the leader on 2 September and has quickly risen through the parties ranks promising to reshape the party.

He is often labelled as an 'eco-populist' by the media, and he combines a strong stance on climate justice with a focus on economic fairness, housing, and social equality.

Polanski has previously visited Surbiton when he spoke at the Clocktower café, addressing issues ranging from NHS reform to a green industrial revolution.

"Everyone appreciated the ideas that he brought. How do we make our homes more efficient, how to reform the NHS, and many other issues," Dr Das said.

Polanski's active presence, both online and in-person, has helped connect grassroots members to national leadership.

Dr Das emphasised Polanski's engagement with local campaigners, particularly on issues like river pollution in the Thames.

"Zack will be pushing for the nationalisation of private companies like Thames Water.

"That is going to bring a solution to the problems that we have, because if the water companies are privatised, they are going to spill sewage into our rivers and water bodies," he added.

Polanski's leadership comes with a strong mandate. He received around 20,000 votes, compared to 3,000 for his rivals, both of whom were sitting MPs.

His win gives the Green Party a more visible leadership and a stronger presence on social media and public platforms.

Dr Das said: "For the first time ever in the Green Party's history, we have a deputy leader who is from an ethnic minority. That itself shows that the green party is becoming more inclusive now.

"Zack has been able to read the voice of all different sections of society and that makes the Green Party more representative and more collaborative.

"He is also very good with young people. He has the maximum number of votes from people who are aged between 16 to 18. He is bringing politics that will bring about change."

The Green Party is now polling stronger and public trust in mainstream parties is falling, and so Dr Das believes the timing of this new leadership is important.

Dr Das said: "Under Zack's leadership the green party will offer policies rooted in questions of justice, sustainability, and general inclusion. There is overwhelming support for Zack, for a leader who can effectively challenge the politics of division and complacency."

With the 2026 London Assembly and council elections looming, local Greens are hopeful that Polanski's message will resonate more widely with voters across the borough.